Minus the cold temperatures and the wind, we had a great time in South Dakota. It was full of good food and great friends and family. We spent an afternoon ice fishing with Uncle Jack, Derreck won the ugly Christmas sweater contest at Stella's, and we ate like royalty. 

We spent a few days with both families. As I was unpacking our gifts and putting them under our tree, I was thinking about how thankful we are. 

This holiday season I am thankful for families who adore us and love sending us back to Colorado with lots of goodies. 

I am thankful for friends who meet you for coffee, lunch or happy hour with a minute's notice.

I am thankful for childhood ornaments which adorned my mom's Christmas tree. 

I am thankful that Derreck and I grew up in, essentially, the same place. It's so convenient to see both families with only having to drive 15 minutes. And when we reminisce and tell funny stories about growing up, we get how funny it is because we know the people involved. We never have to worry about going somewhere and not having someone to visit with.

I am thankful for long car rides with my husband, which gives us lots of time to talk about how we would change the world if we won the lottery, New Year's resolutions, finances, and babies. And don't get too excited…it ended with Derreck wanting to adopt a baby from Africa so he can play for the Broncos. Reason #25 that we aren't ready for children.

Bailey and Addie were buddies for the week. 

And I have no other pictures from the week because all the others were sent on Snapchat. Another reason, I'm not necessarily a fan. 

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and will have a fabulous New Year. Here's to 2014!

10 days until Christmas…Yikes! I still need to pick up a few gifts and get an oil change this week. We will be busy as we wrap up business at work and get ready to head back to SD for a week. We are so excited to be back for a whole week! 

This is what happens when Derreck makes pancakes. 

And of course, pancakes for Bailey. This was before she made the mess in the next picture. 

This is what happens when you leave your dog locked in the bathroom for 10 hours. We are still wondering if this kept her busy all day or if it took her 10 minutes.

That is 7 rolls of toilet paper! But she didn't freeze in the 3 degree weather last week so that's a plus, and I suppose that we should be thankful that she didn't touch the laundry detergent or clorox that was on the shelf. Thank God for nice weather this week. 

Since we cancelled our anniversary trip to the mountains last weekend, we spent our refund on Broncos tickets for the Thursday night game against the Chargers. Well it definitely wasn't the best game we have seen, but it was still fun.  And it never fails, there was a guy decked out in Packers gear at the game.

As part of my teacher induction process, I got to go observe at another school for a day. Our instructional coach suggested a great teacher in the district, and in that class was Angie Braun's little girl. What a doll and such a great student. What a small world! 

Merry Christmas! I hope everyone has a fabulous Holiday season.

We survived hosting our first Thanksgiving! And nobody got sick so I will chalk that up as a win. And then here is our last two weeks in pictures. 

We celebrated our 1 year anniversary. We celebrated with my family and then were planning on spending a weekend in Estes Park until the weather interfered.  But home is just as fun with Derreck around.  His toast, "Cheers to a Broncos Superbowl." And that is why I love him! 

Our best attempt at a Christmas photo. 

Thanksgiving Dinner. Er, I mean lunch. I get made fun of at work for saying dinner when I'm referring to lunch. 

Derek and Kate playing pool. Mom and Derek played at one table while Kate, Derreck and I played at the other. 

Anniversary lunch at The Melting Pot. Yum! 

Merry Christmas!

This was probably the highlight of our weekend. Grandma and Mom trying sushi for the first time! Hilarious! And they both liked it.

Look at this cute package I received in the mail. I get to be in Jeremy and Kellie's wedding! Woohoo! So excited to have a sister-in-law. 

This weeks happenings in Mrs. Martin's Classroom: 

We were singing Feliz Navidad as a class and a boy thought the words were "Release mommy's dog!" Priceless.

The kids got a new seating arrangement during Thanksgiving break. A boy was really confused and asked me how I cut the tables apart. I was really confused. He had a legit argument, but after a 5 minute discussion he finally understood that I just moved the name tags and didn't cut the tables apart and put them back together. 

"______________, you need to put your coat on before you go outside." 
"No, I don't. My fat will keep me warm."

For the first time this school year, I get to be lazy this weekend. It is much needed break.

lazy=unwilling to work or use energy

On Friday afternoon, a student said, "Please be quiet! Mrs. Martin is grumpy." And for the first time, I let my students know that I was in fact, grumpy. 23 children need my constant attention for 9 hours a day, 5 days a week. I do love my job, but I am so exhausted. I am ready to spend my weekend doing something other than getting my classroom ready for the next week. And I'm looking forward to giving Derreck and our house some attention. I tend to ignore him on the weekends because I am always at school.

However, the holidays are upon us and I am really looking forward to it. Thanksgiving is my second favorite holiday next to the 4th of July. The 4th of July has to be your favorite holiday if you were raised in Gregory. The weather is great. And there's golf, baseball, and fireworks. However, Thanksgiving is the next best thing. Great food, football, and family. This year, we are thankful for our families, our jobs, and our house.

We are approaching our 1st anniversary and I have never been more in love. I am in a happy place. Derreck doesn't treat me like a princess. It is perfect. He tells me what I need to hear, not what I want to hear. He keeps me grounded. He gives me what I need, and not what I want. I'm spoiled by love and attention, not by things. Life is so good.

Have a good weekend! 

We are now taking reservations at the Martin Motel and Taxi Service.  All are welcome.

http://travel.yahoo.com/ideas/colorado-shines-in-america-s-favorite-towns-survey-014527313.html

We do live quite a ways from the 3 places listed, but still. Colorado is awesome. And our visitor count for 2013 is almost up to 20 people (some are repeat visitors)! We are so blessed and thankful. 

 Bailey loves her stuffed strawberry. It's the only toy she hasn't torn apart.

Her pillow from Uncle Derek. I made her pose by her mess. 

Last weekend, we made a last minute trip to a concert at the Toby Keith Bar. Aaron Lewis was great. He used to be the lead singer for Staind, then started doing some Country by himself. The concert was great!

Ok, so even though the election two weeks ago turned out about as bad as it could have, this is what my job is all about. It's about the kids. It's not about the government telling us what we need and do not need to be an effective educator. Please don't judge the spelling..He's only 6.

Quotes from Mrs. Martin's room: 

Our school has a wall of fame which has new students on it every month. "Mrs. Martin! My mom told me that my sister is on the wall of shame. Can I please go down and look at it? Can I please?" 

"I am thankful for eggs because I like to order Chinese food."

"Mrs. Martin, I knew you were going to be grumpy today because the Packers lost."

"Does anybody know the name of the ship that the pilgrims rode on to America?"

"Yes, the cauliflower!"

Stay tuned for our Thanksgiving stories. They are hilarious..and I will be posting them next week. 

There's not much going on at the Martin household except house projects and work. 

It wouldn't be a complete post with out pictures of Bailey. 

 Spoiled pup..I may or may not let her sleep with me on Saturday mornings..This is why I cannot have children. I let her do whatever she wants.  

 Thanks Pinterest for the great idea of drilling pumpkins instead of carving them. 

I know what you are thinking, but Derreck wants you to know that it's a 3-eyed pumpkin.  

One of my little friends at school tied her boots together on Friday. She is 6 going on 16. She almost convinced me that this was ok to do this. 

Last weekend, Josey, Dillon, and Tarell came all the way from SD to help us shingle our roof. Brandi also came down from Evergreen to help. That was a job and a half! I only took 2 pictures. Oops! 

Dillon ordered a drink that came in a bucket. Why not drink with a shovel?

 And we finally got a TV stand.

On Friday night, we (some friends from work) went to Canvas and Cocktails to celebrate Daryn's Birthday. It was a blast! Check out my masterpiece. Haha..pretty pathetic, but it's all about the process, not the product. Right? 

Now off to watch the Packers beat up on the Vikings and some lesson planning for the week! Speaking of, we don't get a Halloween party at school. Our principal is the Grinch of Halloween. Secretly so am I, but the kids are pretty bummed. However, Mrs. and Mr. Martin will be running the 1st Grade bean bag game on Friday night at our Fall Festival. Derreck doesn't know that I signed us up yet.  =)

Have a good week!

Well I got 2 texts today saying that it has been a month since I updated our blog. So instead of going to bed at 8 o'clock, I will spend a few minutes updating what we have been up to. 

I just cannot get caught up with life right now. I feel like I'm constantly drowning in Google Docs and emails. But things are great here in Littleton!  And I'm so thankful to be doing what I love. 

Since the last post, we have made a trip back to SD and have had visitors in Denver. Val and Tyler came out last weekend. The weather was amazing and I even got a little sunburn at the Broncos game. 

And Jeremy and Kellie got engaged! Woohoo..I'm so excited and I cannot wait to have a sister-in-law. I'm so happy for them. They are getting married September 13th, 2014. One of my best friends gets married the following weekend. I am already stressed about next September, and am worried that I'm not going to be able to make it to both of them. Of course, we wouldn't have any weddings in June or July when we have all the time in the world. Such is life. 

So much has happened this month! Here are a few pictures of what we've been up to. 

 The class of 2007

Isn't he handsome?!

Kelsea and I

 A few of my favorite people at Brandon and Karley's Reception. They had a destination wedding in Cabo last month. The pictures were beautiful and the reception was a blast. I'm glad that someone else agrees with me that a destination wedding is the best thing ever. Best wishes to her and Brandon! 

Bailey and Scout were reunited again. I had such a great day hanging out with my brother and my mom. Lunch at Bubba's and pool at Mary Bob's makes for a good Saturday!

Red Rocks

Broncos game. It was so much fun!

This guy was brave. He was walking around Mile High in this Packers outfit. I don't really get it, but it was pretty hilarious!

Our seats from the upper level. It was the perfect day.

This is Bailey's favorite spot. 

As far as our house projects go, we recently painted the basement navy blue. Derreck likes it because it is Broncos colors, and I like it because navy blue is my favorite color.  So it's a win-win. 

We also got a new furnace today which is pretty exciting. Our shingles also got delivered and the crew (Tarell, Dillon and Josey) will be out in two weeks to re-shingle our roof. 

Here is a sneak peak of the paint job. I will take more pictures once we get some 'stuff' on the walls. Derreck hates 'stuff' =)

Bailey woke me up at 6:00 this morning so I've had a very productive Saturday morning so far. And it's only going up from here. I've watched a movie, did laundry, cleaned the kitchen, living room, and bedroom, made breakfast, and sent out my weekly classroom newsletter. And it's only 9:30. Derreck is out mowing the lawn then we are heading to Home Depot. We decided to try and get the basement painted before our visitors, Val and Tyler, come in three weeks! 

We are heading to the Italian festival this afternoon. Bring on the pizza and wine! 

It's a great year to live in Denver. Everyone is so excited for the Broncos, and game days are crazy! Derreck and I were talking about how we miss small town Friday night football games. Denver is similar to Gregory on game day, but on a much larger scale. The whole city is decked out in orange and blue instead of red and white, and it's the topic of conversation everywhere you go. It's fun!

For Labor Day, we went to the Martin's cabin in South Dakota. It was so nice to see everyone. Tim and Karen, Jeremy and Kellie, Derek and Kate, and my mom and Kirby were all there plus the Broome clan. On Sunday the 'kids' went into Hill City to the wineries, and Jeremy was on a mission to get some taffy. It was a great weekend filled with good food, cold beer, great company, and plenty of relaxation.

Here is Scout (my brother's dog) and Bailey playing. They had a blast this weekend. Scout is bigger and Bailey is meaner. 

Well off to Home Depot and the Italian Festival. Have a great weekend!